Wednesday’s two-game NBA DFS slate tips off later than usual, with an 8:00 p.m. ET lock. The matchups feature the Cleveland Cavaliers versus the Chicago Bulls, carrying a 243.5-point total and a 5.5-point spread in favor of the Cavaliers, and the Memphis Grizzlies against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a 233.5 total and the Timberwolves favored by 7.5 points.
With just two games on tap, lineup differentiation becomes critical, though building around core chalk plays that can anchor winning lineups remains important. Below are some of the top targets and value options to consider for tonight’s slate.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS Core Plays
Donovan Mitchell (PG, SG – CLE)
- DraftKings: $9,800
- FanDuel: $9,700
On a two-game slate, prioritizing exposure to the player with the highest upside makes plenty of sense, and Donovan Mitchell fits that mold. He has scored at least 40 points on four occasions this season and has shown the ability to take over games throughout his career.
That opportunity should be available again with the Cleveland Cavaliers set to be without Evan Mobley (calf), which should result in a noticeable increase in usage. Mitchell also benefits from a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who rank 27th in defensive rating over their last four games.
Julius Randle (PF – MIN)
- DraftKings: $9,000
- FanDuel: $8,900
Julius Randle has been terrific all season and has looked especially strong of late, averaging 24.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over his last five games. His consistent production continues to make him a reliable option on this short slate.
Randle could see an additional usage bump if Anthony Edwards (foot), who is listed as questionable, is unable to suit up. He also draws a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, who rank 11th in pace over their last four games, a factor that could help speed things up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who rank 27th in pace during that same span.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Darius Garland (PG – CLE)
- DraftKings: $6,800
- FanDuel: $7,200
Darius Garland has dealt with injuries throughout the season, which has kept him in and out of the lineup, but he appears to be rounding into form. Over his last three games, he is averaging 35.6 minutes per contest along with 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals.
During that stretch, Garland ranks third on the team in field goal attempts, trailing only Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. He offers a strong floor with plenty of upside in a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bulls, a defense that has struggled as of late.
Jaylon Tyson (SG, SF – CLE)
- DraftKings: $6,200
- FanDuel: $6,300
Jaylon Tyson has been playing excellent basketball this season and has been particularly impressive of late, averaging 17.4 points on 55.3% shooting while adding 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. His efficiency and all-around production have made him a consistent contributor.
He has been terrific for the Cleveland Cavaliers regardless of role, producing whether he comes off the bench, as he did in the last game against the Charlotte Hornets, or starts, which has been the case for most of the season. Tyson profiles as a strong cash game option, especially in a matchup with a 243.5-point game total.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Jarrett Allen (PF, C – CLE)
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $6,100
Jarrett Allen returned to the floor on December 14 against the Charlotte Hornets after missing six games. He came off the bench and was limited to just 22 minutes, finishing with nine points, three rebounds and one assist. Those modest numbers will likely push some individuals away.
However, a larger role could be in store here, especially with Evan Mobley (calf) sidelined. Allen also draws a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing centers. While he remains a GPP-only option due to uncertainty surrounding his role and minutes, the upside is appealing, particularly for those building multiple lineups and willing to take a calculated risk.
Bones Hyland (PG – MIN)
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,000
Bones Hyland is expected to draw the start if Anthony Edwards (foot) is unable to play tonight. Hyland started on Sunday and logged a season-high 35 minutes, making the most of the opportunity.
In that game, he finished with 18 points, three rebounds, five assists and one block. If Edwards remains sidelined, Hyland should again see heavy minutes, giving him plenty of upside on a short slate.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Jock Landale (C – MEM)
- DraftKings: $5,300
- FanDuel: $4,500
Zach Edey (ankle) has missed the Memphis Grizzlies’ last two games, allowing Jock Landale to step into an expanded. During that stretch, he has averaged eight points, 6.5 rebounds, two assists and one block per game in 27.4 minutes.
Landale remains reasonably priced across most sites and should be leaned on again tonight, especially given the size of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Vince Williams (PG, SG – MEM)
- DraftKings: $4,900
- FanDuel: $4,100
Vince Williams has seen his minutes dip with Ja Morant (ankle) back in the lineup and Cam Spencer (personal) playing well. However, circumstances could shift again with Spencer ruled out and Morant listed as questionable.
Williams could be in line for another start, and he has been solid from a fantasy perspective in that role. In his 11 starts this season, he has averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists, making him a viable value option when the minutes are there.